For years Langa has been described as a community full of potential but starved of opportunity. The REACT DRH launch at Khulani Secondary School has proven that the community was never the limitation. The real barrier was access.
With its next decentralised recycling hub now active in Langa, Regenize's flagship recycling service, REACT, continues to challenge outdated assumptions about township readiness and leads a movement that is changing how environmental action is understood across Cape Town, says the initiative.
The launch brought together local leaders, national departments, university partners, community groups, and the Regenize team in a celebration of collaboration and shared purpose. Guests were welcomed with entertainment before opening speeches by Regenize COO Nkazimlo Miti, adds the initiative.
Miti says the message was clear, environmental change is no longer a distant policy conversation. "It's happening in real time, in real neighbourhoods, with real community participation."
A bin handout ceremony followed. Led by Gretta Siganga, Langa CDW WC Department of Local Government, emphasised the importance of household level participation. Their support highlighted a growing alignment between communities and the organisations working to strengthen local recycling systems, says the initiative.
Waste reclaimer Amahle and Abongile then shared their journey in a testimonial segment facilitated by REACT's Project Coordinator, Sabrina Ruiters. Their stories were a reminder that informal reclaimers remain central to the success of any recycling programme and that the REACT model gives them dignity, structure, and economic opportunity, adds the initiative.
A live collection drive demonstration took place, focusing on the operational side of the model. Delegates were transported in a minibus and driven through the area to observe collections happening in real time.
Miti says the operational tour took stakeholders into the heart of the programme as the team visited households and passed Langa High School to introduce delegates to the site of the next DRH scheduled to be launched soon.
"This launch marks an important expansion of the REACT network and reinforces a message that has become impossible to ignore. Communities like Langa are ready for change. They are prepared to participate, to lead and to take ownership of a cleaner and greener future," he says.
With support from partners such as E Squared, EEP Africa, EWASA, ward 51 councillor office, Khulani High School and local organisations, community members, the Langa DRH hub is set to become a powerful example of what decentralised recycling can achieve when trust, dignity, and accessibility are placed at the centre, adds the initiative.
"Langa has stepped forward. Now the rest of the city will have to keep up," Miti concludes.
For more information, visit www.reactnow.africa. You can also follow REACT on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor